Does Neutral Mean Beige Everything?

Over the last few years, we’ve all been inundated with design ideas featuring a ‘neutral palette’. From design TV shows to magazine articles….neutrals seem to be everywhere. A recent client of mine said that she wanted to choose a similar neutral color scheme for her home, but she didn’t want it to feel too monotone or…..ugh!…..boring!

I think most people equate neutral with beige, and that’s no surprise. Neutral seems to mean “void of color”, but that is far from the truth. I’d like to show you some interesting ways to keep a soft, low-key palette while actually using…..yep, you guessed it….color!

You’ve heard me say before that brown and blue can be a wonderful combination. That works even with a neutral palette like the one below which started with the Cedar Key beige. Pairing the beige with soft blues creates an amazing complementary scheme.

Cedar Key OC-16 / Smoke 2122-40 / Cloudy Sky 2122-30

I also love combining the Smoke color with another hue, like mauve. In this combo, you could use small punches of the deeper Smoked Oyster, leaving the majority of the decor in the lighter tones.

Smoke 2122-40 / Smokey Taupe 983 / Smoked Oyster 2109-40

Another interesting combo – pink and gray. This color palette isn’t just for little girl’s rooms either. This can make for a stupendous formal living room or dining room!

Pampas Grass 2110-60 / Porcelain 2113-60 / Sidewalk Gray 2133-60

How about going a little citrus-y? This combo is fresh and will make even the darkest of winter days feel happier!

Seahorse 2028-70 / Celadon Green 2028-60 / Light Yellow 2022-60

Now if your heart is dead-set on using only beige neutrals, then layer, layer layer the palette!

Carrington Beige HC-93 / Wheeling Neutral HC-92 / Danville Tan HC-91

I’ve included a few of my favorite neutral design photos in the hopes of inspiring you to try. I would LOVE to see some photo examples of your ‘neutral’ colored homes too!